Health staff get a clap ... now for a rise?
DOMINIC Raab hinted NHS workers could be in line for a pay rise after the crisis – as the nation once again gathered to applaud the efforts of our Health Service.
The Foreign Secretary, deputising for Boris Johnson, said the Government would ‘look at how we formally recognise’ the efforts of health workers.
Mr Raab said at the daily coronavirus briefing: ‘There will be a moment when we look at how we formally recognise all of those on the front line who have done so much to pull us through this very difficult period for our country.’ It came as millions across the country stood at their doorsteps to take part in the third weekly Clap for our Carers.
Mr Raab and Chancellor Rishi Sunak later stood outside the Foreign Office to applaud.
Labour’s new leader Sir Keir Starmer stood by his garden gate to clap, along with his wife Victoria, in north London.
Among the locations to be illuminated blue – the colour of the NHS – were the London Shard and Windsor Castle. On Westminster Bridge, fire engines and police vans lined up with lights flashing blue.
Ships off the British coastline sounded their horns in support.
The Clap for our Carers campaign expanded the event to include other emergency services, shop staff and teachers working through the pandemic. Last week, Mr Johnson dragged himself to the door of Downing Street to applaud despite suffering from coronavirus.
His pregnant fiancee Carrie Symonds last night posted a picture of a rainbow on her Twitter account with applause symbols.
In a video message, The Crown actress Olivia Colman led tributes from celebrities to the ‘wonderful army’ of NHS workers. It also featured Dame Julie Walters, Stephen Fry, Colin Firth and Ant and Dec. The video was published on the NHS’s YouTube channel and timed to coincide with the 8pm clap.
It was introduced by Claire Murdoch, national clinical director for mental health in England, who said: ‘We have been blown away by the many thanks, celebrations and videos recognising the dedication of our NHS staff.’